Cabo Verde is a cultural crossroads like none other. These 10 tropical islands west of Mauritania were uninhabited before being colonized by Europeans in the 1400s. Cabo Verde became a thriving port and “the cradle of the first fully fledged mixed-race Creole society,” according to UNESCO, owing to its role in the slave trade.¹

You can taste Cabo Verde’s Creole heritage in its cuisine, which blends West African and Portuguese flavors. You can hear it in the music: yearning morna, lively coladeira, and accordion-heavy funaná. And you can experience it through morabeza, the spontaneous, laid-back hospitality Cabo Verde is famous for.

(While the country was long called Cape Verde by English speakers, the government now asks people to use the Portuguese name: Cabo Verde.)

Cabo Verde is also beloved for its windswept beaches, volcanic landscapes, and historic sites. One piece of advice: Don’t try to see it all on one trip! Choose just one or two islands to explore. Our travel guide will tell you more.

3 reasons to buy travel insurance for Cape Verde/Cabo Verde

1. In a medical emergency, you may need an air evacuation. “Medical facilities in Cabo Verde are limited, and some medications are in short supply or otherwise unavailable. .... Transportation between islands is difficult, and inter-island medevac options are limited,” the U.S. Department of State warns travelers.² Emergency transportation benefits can cover the often-enormous costs of an evacuation to an approved medical facility, as well as your transportation home.
2. You never know when a natural disaster will strike. The entire island of Fogo is a volcano. It last erupted in 2014, and future eruptions remain a threat.³ In a natural disaster or other covered emergency, travel insurance can assist you with planning your evacuation, getting reimbursed for unused trip expenses, and more.
3. Cape Verde travel can be… challenging. “Interisland connections are woeful, with ferries canceled or delayed by days more often than not and flights between islands a jolly game of chance,” Lonely Planet says.⁴ And while many people speak English, language barriers are common. 24-hour assistance is here to help. Contact assistance by phone or with the Allyz® TravelSmart app to get help with language translation, unexpected travel problems, medical emergencies and more.

3 of the best travel insurance plans for Cabo Verde/Cape Verde

1. OneTrip Basic is built for international travelers on a budget. Get up to $10,000 in emergency medical benefits, up to $10,000 in trip cancellation/interruption benefits, and more.
2. OneTrip Prime, our most popular plan for overseas vacations, includes a wide array of benefits for international travel. It also covers kids 17 and under for free when they’re traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents).
3. AllTrips Premier gives you affordable travel protection for a full 365 days of travel—ideal for people taking two or more trips in a year.

3 of the best things to do in Cabo Verde/Cape Verde

1. Soak up the sun. Cape Verde is famous for its beautiful beaches and turquoise water. There’s also a near-constant strong breeze, thanks to the trade winds. This annoys some beachgoers, but windsurfers love it! Just be careful when boating, swimming or fishing, as the local tides and currents are very strong.⁵ If you’re in Cabo Verde from June to November, you may be able to witness sea turtles laying their eggs on certain beaches.⁶
2. Walk the streets of Cidade Velha. Dating to the late 1400s, Cidade Velha (“old city”) is the center of Ribeira Grande, the first European colonial town to be built in the tropics. Today, you can see several ruins, climb an old fort, and visit Nossa Senhora do Rosário, the oldest colonial church in the world.
3. Climb a volcano. Pico do Fogo (“Peak of Fire”) is an active volcano that’s the highest point in the islands. Active travelers who are up for a long hike with steep ascents will be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the islands and surrounding sea. Going with a guide is recommended.

3 of the best resorts in Cabo Verde/Cape Verde

If you’re searching for serenity and fresh air, book a stay at La Fora Ecolodge: a lovely and affordable resort on the slopes of the caldera, about 10 minutes from Sao Filipe. Enjoy your own private bungalow and make sure you don’t miss the delicious breakfast. Guests love the sunset views and say the guided hike to the top of the volcano is a must-do. Best of all, La Fora takes conservation seriously: Sink and shower water is used to irrigate the gardens, and the resort is powered by solar panels.

For beach lovers, there’s Hotel Riu Palace Boavista: a five-star, all-inclusive resort on the island of Boa Vista. There are three outdoor pools, plus adults-only villas with private pools. “Not recommended if you want to do anything other than relax, eat and drink,” one guest remarked — but for pure ease on your trip to Cape Verde, it’s a good bet.

Aquiles Eco Hotel is a completely different experience: a tiny, modern, and affordable hotel that encourages guests to get out and explore. While the rooms have a minimalist style, they’re comfortable and offer stunning sea views. Enjoy fishing, windsurfing and feasting on fresh seafood in the village of Sao Pedro.

3 great restaurants in Cabo Verde/Cape Verde

Batuku Espaço Cidade Velha occupies a lush courtyard on Rua Banana, the oldest street in Santiago. Enjoy local specialties, such as picanha (a Brazilian cut of steak), grilled octopus, and the caipirinha made with maracuja (yellow passion fruit).

Light-wrapped palm trees illuminate the courtyard of Tropical Club in Sao Felipe, a relaxed spot known for seafood and cocktails. Try the sawfish with coconut curry, the grouper or the cachupa, Cape Verde’s signature stew of corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, and fish or meat.

The Morabeza Beach Bar & Restaurant on Boa Vista is a place so magical, you could easily spend all afternoon and evening there. Once you’ve had your fill of sunbathing on Estoril beach, order a refreshing drink. Enjoy a meal of fresh fish, grilled lobster or steak while you watch the sunset. Then, stick around for live entertainment, whether African fire dancing or reggae night.  

Ready to explore the islands? Book your trip, get travel insurance, and you’re good to go. See the best plan options for international travel from Allianz Travel Insurance.

What do I need to travel to Cabo Verde?

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